The TEZUKA MANGA CONTEST, a manga award for new artists established by “Shonen Jump” by Shueisha publisher since 1971 with the aim of finding new talents is celebrating its 100th anniversary. However, what makes this year’s especially interesting is that their welcoming mangaka’s from multiple languages, aka across the world. This sets in a new precedent that manga no longer is confined by the borders of Japan. Just like comic books and graphic novels, it too has evolved.
The judge’s list is just as impressive. We got Akira Toriyama “Dragon Ball“, Eiichiro Oda “One Piece“, Kazue Kato “Blue Exorcist“, Kohei Horikoshi “My Hero Academia“, Takehiko Inoue “Slam Dunk” “Real” & Tezuka Productions. With this contest, it has, in my opinion, changed the meaning of a manga. Now it no longer has to originate from Japan to be considered a manga like many in the manga community has laid claim to in the past. Espcaliiut when you have so many legendary figureheads as judges.
So long as the art style is reminiscent of shonen manga (and being published by a big Japanse publisher) it should technically be considered manga, regardless of who drew it. The TEZUKA MANGA CONTEST website goes into greater detail of what is required to enter so if you’re an inspiring manga artist, this is your once in a lifetime opportunity to participate. There are so many mangas out there that have been inspired by Dragon Ball or Naruto so this is their chance to really bring in a new era for the art we all enjoy!
Let me know what you guys think?
